Posted by dessbee on January 9, 2007, at 14:56:26
In reply to Aldosterone - low levels?, posted by Jimmyboy on January 9, 2007, at 13:13:59
It could be associated with low cortisol as a consequence of adrenal fatigue.
Low cortisol levels is associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, fibromyalgia and depression.
Cortisol is a part of the HPA-axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis), a feedback system and the body's thermostat for stress.
Cortisol act on GR (Glucocorticoid receptors) in the brain to inhibit CRF (corticotropin releasing factor) release. CRH triggers release of ACTH (adrenocorticotropin), which triggers release of cortisol, which inhibits release of CRF.Low GR density will result in less feedback inhibition and higher CRF levels, which is known to cause depression-like behavior.
When adrenal exhaustion strikes the cortisol levels decreases causing less feedback inhibion and even higher CRF levels, which will aggrevate symptoms of depression even further.
poster:dessbee
thread:719941
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20061218/msgs/720817.html